UPDATED 1/14/26 WITH INFORMATION FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT

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GOFUNDME

LINCOLN CITY, Ore. — The owner of Game Over Arcade and his family escaped safely after a structure fire broke out at the business on Tuesday, prompting a temporary shutdown of Highway 101 as firefighters battled the blaze.

Chris Donner, who owns the popular arcade with his wife Jennifer, texted a friend shortly after the incident: “We made it out.” The Donners and their two children live in living quarters attached to the rear of the building, which combines an arcade in the front with a residence in the back.

North Lincoln Fire & Rescue (NLFR) responded to the structure fire at approximately 3:55 p.m. in the 2800 block of North Highway 101 (the arcade is located at 2821 NW Highway 101). First-arriving crews were on scene in less than two minutes and encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the structure. Firefighters initiated an aggressive attack to stop the spread and protect the front portion of the building.

Efforts were challenged by limited access to the rear living space and concerns about structural integrity as conditions deteriorated, requiring tactical adjustments to prioritize firefighter safety while suppressing the fire. All occupants were accounted for early in the incident. One occupant and one firefighter received treatment for minor injuries.

A total of 29 firefighters worked on scene to bring the fire under control. Most units cleared shortly before midnight after suppression and overhaul operations, but due to the fire’s extent and potential for hidden hot spots, one engine remained overnight for monitoring until approximately 8:00 a.m. Wednesday.

NLFR was assisted by Depoe Bay Fire, Nestucca Fire District, Grand Ronde Emergency Services, Lincoln City Police Department, NW Natural, and Pacific Power.

The cause of the fire was determined to be a battery failure in a remote-controlled vehicle. NLFR noted that batteries in consumer devices can pose a significant fire hazard if damaged, improperly charged, or stored near combustible materials. The department reminded community members to follow manufacturer charging instructions, use only approved chargers, avoid charging devices unattended, and store devices and batteries away from flammable materials to reduce similar risks.

The extent of damage to the building and its collection of more than 100 vintage and modern arcade games, pinball machines, virtual reality experiences, and sports bar amenities (including pizza, snacks, beer, and wine) is still being assessed, but the mixed-use nature of the property resulted in the Donners losing their home and belongings in the devastating incident.

Game Over Arcade has been a family-owned staple in Lincoln City since 2013, serving locals and tourists as an all-ages venue with a wide array of classic and new games.